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Safety Practices and Hazards
8
As free acetylene is unstable at elevated pressure, it has to be stored in the
cylinder by dissolving it in acetone.
If the gas is withdrawn too quickly, or the cylinder pressure is allowed to drop
below 700 kPa, acetone may be drawn off in sufficient quantities to affect
analytical performance, damage seals, O-rings and hoses, or even cause a
flashback. Observe the recommendations concerning the use of acetylene.
9
Where possible, do not perform digests with perchloric acid. As this acid is
known for forming unstable salts, operators using this acid should ensure that
the minimum amount is allowed to reach the spectrometer, and that the
burner, spray chamber and liquid trap are thoroughly cleaned after each
analysis to ensure that unstable salts are not allowed to build up. Failure to do
this can result in unpredictable flashbacks.
10 Aspirating solutions (especially alkaline/ammoniacal ones) that contain high
concentrations of Ag and Cu can lead to the formation of acetylides that can
spontaneously decompose and cause a flashback.
What to do in the Event of a Flashback
Immediately press the red Flame-off button to turn off gas flows to the
instrument.
Turn off the gas supply at the regulator.
Turn off power to the instrument.
Inspect the sample introduction components including the burner, spray
chamber and nebulizer. Clean or replace as necessary.
Clean up any spills in the sample introduction area or on the instrument.
Review the relevant Safety section in this manual or the section above for detailed
information on how to prevent flashbacks.
For applications that create high particulate deposits on the burner, it is
recommended that additional burner cleaning/maintenance be performed.
Contact Agilent for assistance if your application requires additional cleaning
procedures.
24
Check the burner condition and O-ring for damage.
Check the O-rings within the spraychamber, especially the pressure relief
bung for damage.
Check the nebulizer for damage.
Check the optical windows on either side of the flame area for damage.
Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
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Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
